Observation Is My Edge

By Mandisa Sibango, Fixed Income Trader at AIP Capital Management

I’m not the loudest in the room. I don’t jump in to speak first, and I don’t always rush to make myself heard. But that doesn’t mean I’m not listening, watching, and completely tuned in.

As a Fixed Income Trader at AIP Capital Management, my role is to help manage liquidity across our hedge fund portfolios. I monitor the markets daily, paying attention to interest rate movements, spreads, yield opportunities, and liquidity needs. My job is to observe what’s happening, interpret what it could mean, and provide meaningful input that helps the team make better decisions.

Over the years, I have realised that being more introverted is not something I need to fix. It’s actually one of the greatest strengths I bring to my work. Being quiet allows me to notice the things others miss. I spot patterns early. I stay calm when things get tense. And I don’t speak for the sake of being heard. I contribute when it matters, and when I do, I try to bring clarity and balance to the conversation.

Working in fixed income means dealing with complex and fast-moving information. The market can shift quickly. Liquidity can tighten. News breaks. Sentiment turns. And in those moments, staying composed is not just helpful, it is essential. I try to stay steady and focused, knowing that good decisions come from understanding the full picture rather than reacting too quickly to the latest headline.

One of the things I value most about being part of the AIP team is our collaborative approach. We support each other. We challenge each other. We respect each other’s strengths. I might not be the loudest voice on the team, but I know I am part of a group that values different perspectives and understands the power of quiet leadership. I step in where I am needed, I share what I know, and I am always looking for ways to improve how we operate.

Outside of the office, I find my balance in the mountains. Trail running has become my escape, my reset, and in many ways, a mirror of how I work. Running on uneven terrain teaches you to watch your step, to adjust your pace, and to stay present. There are days when you move quickly and confidently, and others when you take it slow, reading the path carefully and waiting for the right moment to push forward.

Just like in my role at AIP, I rely on that same process. I observe. I think. And then I move.

There’s a rhythm to everything, whether in running or in work. And I have learned that embracing who I am, quiet, focused, observant, helped me thrive in both. I don’t need to be the loudest to be effective. I just need to be present, thoughtful, and ready to act when the time is right.

That is where I find my edge.